11 comments:

FoPo is supposed to be one of McCain's strengths. The fact that Obama was really able do well against him is a big plus for Obama. Overall, though, I'd say it was a tie, more or less, maybe with a slight advantage to Obama.

note: this judgement has nothing to do with their politics, but with how well they displayed their debating and rhetorical skills.

I actually think Obama came out on top (although I agree it was close). Yes, McCain avoided melting down or freaking out, and he sounded fairly intelligent (if you like dumb policies), but he was peevish, cranky, dishonest and defensive. Obama, on the other hand, was commanding, composed, and unflappable. One seemed like a curmudgeonly old senator; the other like the next president.

I found it disgusting that McCain refused to make eye contact with Obama, even when they were shaking hands. What is he too good to look the man in the eye.I do believe that this debate was a tie. I don't think either side made a persuasive enough argument to convince anyone who wasn't already on their side. Obama did get some great quips in but the look of frustration on his face plus his repeated commentary affirming that McCain was right helped to undermine his positions. If he works on his body language and stop conceding McCains position he will win the next debate for sure.

You are so right about McCain never looking at Obama. I noticed that, too. When Obama was trying to make eye contact with McCain, it made Obama more dear to me. Too bad McCain was too good to try it...

I think I am just anti-McCain because he's just such a stuntman! First, he didn't even want to have the debate. Then, he shows up to it talking to Obama like he's a child by saying "he just doesn't understand" after every comment Obama made. Third, McCain said that he doesn't need "on-the-job training"! Wow! He's right though, what he really needs is a check-up since he's 72 and picked a hockey mom as his running mate. Anyone sense dementia?? I do! LOL!

Oh, and amelia..thanks for stopping by my blog! I like yours as well...adding you to my blog list now...

I think debates are hard to judge - someone has to really knock it out of the park in order for me to consider them the winner.

Then again, McCain lowered expectations enough before the debate that just showing up could be considered a win.

Policy-wise, I (unsurprisingly) agreed with Obama on most issues. I think he did a good job on distinguishing his position on Iraq from McCain's, most specifically the quote where he listed the things McCain was wrong about in the war (although Obama did spend enough time telling McCain he was right - ugh, not something you want to repeat in a debate).